How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be enjoyable and thrilling, but it can quickly turn deadly if you're not cautious. Like automobiles, boats must abide by strict safety rules to avoid injuries.

If you've been injured as a result of a boating accident, you could be eligible for compensation for medical expenses and property damage. Contact a New York boat accident lawyer to increase your odds of winning.

1. Gather Evidence

The most important thing you can do following an accident with a boat is to collect evidence and then contact an attorney. It is also important to seek medical assistance immediately for any injuries. Medical documents and other evidence are needed to support the claim for damages such as current and future medical costs and loss of income or earning potential, property damage, and other non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

Video and photos are valuable in preserving evidence from the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony can be an invaluable evidence piece as it gives details regarding the collision that otherwise would be ignored. Police and incident reports can also be used to establish a timeline of events that occurred in the particular case.

A lawyer with expertise can scrutinize the evidence to identify the parties that could be accountable for the victim's injuries or losses. A boating accident negligence case typically involves multiple parties including the driver of the boat and the owner or manufacture of the watercraft.

A reputable lawyer can handle all communication with insurance companies who are involved in a person's claim for compensation. A lawyer can help victims avoid saying anything that can be used against them in a court of law, and also aid victims in obtaining fair settlements for damages.

2. Report a crime

The first thing you should do after a boating incident is to ensure everyone is safe. After that, you need to contact the local law enforcement agency and fill out a report about the incident. Based on the state's laws and regulations, you might have up to 48 hours to file an incident report if the accident causes injury or death that requires medical attention beyond basic first aid. You may also be able to file a report within 10 days to file a report if you are not able to locate the boat or if the accident causes more than $2,000 worth of damages.

If you are able, be at the scene to help other boats or persons without risking your safety or the safety of the victims in danger. This will enable the police officer to note important details such as how the accident occurred, who was onboard at the time of the crash and the cause.

Unfortunately, even well-trained and experienced boaters can get involved in accidents on the water due to someone else's negligence. A skilled attorney can identify the person who was negligent in causing your damages, and help you seek compensation. Damage to property, medical expenses and financial losses are all recoverable damages. Moreover, filing a lawsuit against the responsible person could result in monetary reimbursement for your pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and other emotional issues that come along with the crash.

3. Inspect the Damages

Once medical professionals have assessed everyone's injuries and they are in a safe place it is crucial to look at the damage to the boat. Now is the time to start thinking about your insurance policy.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim. They will come out to inspect the damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will assess the damage to the one originally recorded by you. He or she will then begin to figure out how much the damages might be worth.

Most boat accidents result from a combination of factors and it's not always possible to control all of them. If there was a defect on the boat, you might be eligible to file a claim for product responsibility against the company that created the boat accident lawyers.

In these situations you require an attorney with experience boating claims. They can help you build an argument that can prove the manufacturer is accountable for the accident.

It is important to keep in mind that different types of boats are insured by different policies. For example, homeowners insurance will typically only cover smaller boats with engines that is below 50 HP. This means that jet skis, airboats, and larger vessels won't be covered by homeowner's insurance.

4. Contact an attorney

Once you're safe and have seen a medical professional regarding injuries, make sure to notify your insurance company. You will likely need to notify them even when no police report has been filed. Be careful when providing information to insurance companies as they may attempt to assign blame for an accident. This could decrease the amount of compensation that you receive. The NYC lawyers for boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will work hard to disprove these claims and limit the amount of fault attributable to you.

It is beneficial to collect as all information you can about the other boat owners or operators that were involved in the accident. This includes their name, address as well as their phone number and insurance information. It is also beneficial to have a copy the accident report that has been filed.

boat accidents (research by the staff of 133) can be terrifying and may cause serious injuries. They can lead to massive medical expenses, loss of wages and damages. The parties responsible must be held accountable for the harm they have caused you. You won't receive the amount you are due if you don't speak with an experienced New York injury lawyer as soon as you can. This will help even the playing field and allow you to focus on getting well.